How Can Politicians Successfully Engage Voters?
With the election having long since passed, how can political party's continue to engage voters?
The political climate in the UK is relatively complex at present, with a myriad of factors combining to create a diverse and unusual set of circumstances. The last election revealed that we have the highest level of political engagement since New Labour swept to power in 1997, with the Conservative party earning a landslide win that has enabled them to progress with widespread economic and social reforms.
Despite this, there remains considerable opposition to some Tory policies, while the debate surrounding EU membership is also undermining much of the optimism that greeted the party’s ascent into power. The so-called elitist nature of the Conservatives is also alienating some working class voters, creating disengagement and a rising sense of apathy.
How can Politicians successfully engage voters?
There are other issues at play too, as the daily grind of politics is far removed from the excitement and fanfare that greets the typical election. With issues such as workplace stress also effecting an estimated 440,000 people in the UK last year, people are less inclined to engage with political debate and have far less time to indulge the machinations of politicians.
With this in mind, what practical steps can politicians make to engage the electorate in the modern age, especially during a specific term in office? Consider the following: -
1. Reach out to Millennials with Radical Transparency
One of the key challenges politicians face when attempting to engage voters is a fundamental lack of trust, which was underlined by events that unfolded during the 2010 election. Back then, 24% of the important Millennial demographic voted for the Liberal Demographics, largely on the back of their radical plans to reduce student tuition fees.
After the Lib Dems entered negotiations with the Tories they were forced to scrap this policy, however, leaving millennial votes betrayed and encouraging them to disengage with the process of lobbying and electing governments.
Controversies such as those surrounding politician expense claims have hardly helped this situation, but political parties can negate this if they wish to. This is a two-stage process, which starts with the careful cultivation of election policies and a commitment to deliver on promises when the chance arises. For those who are not in power, the use of social media and live streaming apps also offers the type of clarity and transparent communication that the electorate craves.
2. Engage through social Media
The issue of social media is a crucial engagement tool for politicians, so long as it is used well. After all, we have seen this have an opposite and polarizing effect on the U.S electorate, with controversial candidates such as Donald Trump largely using social channels to disgust voters and insult their rivals.
Social media allows voters to feel closer to politicians, while it also allows members of parliament to engage in regular conversations with the electorate. From question and answer sessions to emotive, real-time debates, this is the type of interaction that builds trust and makes citizens more inclined to vote and participate in political discussion.
3. Make manifestos interactive and accessible
Historically, election manifestos and political messages have been delivered in tired and largely outdated formats (such as print media). They also used to include the type of complex jargon and condescending language that deterred the majority of voters, while also creating the impression that their political representatives could not be trusted.
It is unthinkable to think that the format in which manifestos are presented has not changed over the course of the last decade, especially given the advancements that have taken place in technology during this time.
There is ample time for this to change; however, and politicians have an excellent opportunity to invest in the creation of simple, interaction manifestos that can be easily navigated by voters. This would be an exciting development, especially if it was incorporated with a comments section and live blog feature that allowed the electorate to offer their honest feedback.
These steps may take us into a brave new political world, but is there anything you think we may be missing? If so, please leave us your thoughts and comments below.
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